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A probate court has jurisdiction over probating of wills and administering estates, as well as guardianship, custody, adoption and other administrative cases in some states. Probating a will means having it legally admitted in court, so it is officially recognized and can be executed. A probate judge presides over probate court. Probate court is typically somewhat less formal than other courtrooms, and unless a will is being contested, is often more like a series of regular meetings between representatives of estates and the probate judge. Probate judges are typically experienced attorneys, and are usually elected for at least four-year terms. States may require you to have a certain number of years of experience before you can run for the probate court.

1.

Complete a bachelor's degree program in a field of your choice. Law schools accept candidates from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, but it is important to make good grades, as law school admission is highly competitive. Begin developing your personal and professional networks. Take the Law School Aptitude Test in your senior year.

2.

Enroll in law school and earn your juris doctor degree. Law school is a challenging three-year program where you learn about all aspects of the law, including probate and estate law. All but a handful of states require that probate judges be licensed members of the state bar. Undertake an internship in your final year of law school so you can get hands-on experience in the practice of law.

3.

Take and pass the bar exam so you can be admitted to your state bar. The bar exam is a rigorous exam that covers a broad range of federal and state laws. You must pass the bar exam to be admitted to the bar and then, be allowed to practice law in that state.

4.

Practice law, ideally estate law or tax lax, for at least three or four years to gain experience and name recognition. Probate judges are usually elected officials, and a good reputation and at least a modicum of name recognition are critical ingredients for success in an election.

5.

Set up an election committee and run for probate judge in your area. Probate courts are usually organized by district, often on the basis of counties, and urban districts with larger populations will often have two or more probate judges. Start raising funds for your election campaign as early as possible. Use social media to maximize your networks.

Tip

Make an effort to be an active member of your community. Volunteer your time at local nursing homes or schools or serve on the board of directors for one more community nonprofit organizations. Being active in your community makes you a more attractive judicial candidate.

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About the Author

Clayton Browne has been writing professionally since 1994. He has written and edited everything from science fiction to semiconductor patents to dissertations in linguistics, having worked for Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Steck-Vaughn and The Psychological Corp. Browne has a Master of Science in linguistic anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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Browne, Clayton. "How to Become a Probate Judge." Work - Chron.com, http://work.chron.com/become-probate-judge-17574.html. Accessed 21 January 2019.

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